Earlier this year, ‘Avengers: Age of Ultron’ director Joss Whedon revealed that he might be stepping away from the Marvel Cinematic Universe once his commitments to Earth’s Mightiest Heroes were fulfilled so that he could recharge his batteries and possibly pursue other projects. Reports circulated stating that ‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier’ directors Anthony and Joe Russo would take the reins from Whedon for the two-part epic ‘Avengers: Infinity War,’ but nothing was confirmed. Now as the duo prepares to shoot ‘Captain America: Civil War’ in a few weeks, it appears that the rumors are true about their larger role in Marvel’s Phase Three.
Though an official announcement has yet to go out, Joe and Anthony Russo have just closed a deal to direct the massive Marvel Studios saga set for May 2018 and May 2019 according to Badass Digest. Just like every True Believer who saw their work on ‘The Winter Soldier,’ it appears that the head honchos at the House of Ideas are big fans of the brothers who were once primarily known for their episodes of ‘Community’ and ‘Arrested Development.’ The report also notes that screenwriters Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely, the team behind all three Captain America movies, ‘Thor: The Dark World,’ and ‘Agent Carter.’ are in talks to write ‘Infinity War’ as well. If that deal goes though, it can only mean good things for Marvel since these four men work so well together.
While fans may be disappointed to see Whedon step away from the MCU, the Russos taking over the overall arc of Phase Three makes so much sense considering that ‘Civil War’ is said to have considerable ‘Infinity War’ implications. But despite his role as a director for Marvel and the Avengers coming to an end this year, maybe we’ll see him continue as creative consultant so that his influence isn’t fully absent from the future of these films.
What do you think about Anthony and Joe Russo directing ‘Avengers: Infinity War’? Are you excited about the notion that the people behind ‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier’ are ushering in the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe? And how do you feel about Joss Whedon passing the Avengers baton to another creative team? Share your thoughts and theories in the comments below.
